San Diego, CA: May 10, 2018: The ATD International Conference & Exposition boasted record attendance as headliners Barack Obama, Marcus Buckingham, and Closing Keynoter Connie Podesta delivered timely topics and cutting-edge strategies from the start of the 4-day conference to the closing session.
The conference hosted more than 10,000 registrants who attended 300+ sessions, for more over 14 hours of education.
Connie Podesta, MS, CPAE, CSP shared one of her most requested topics, Life Would Be Easy if it Weren’t for Other People, pulled from her acclaimed book of the same title. It Read More

It Could Cost You Top Talent
by Leadership Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta
Throw out that statement and prepare for some serious pushback. I know because I’ve done it. And the response is…well, passionate. And a bit defensive.
“No way! I reward them and recognize them every chance I get! They’re my rock stars!”
“Are you kidding me? I worship my top performers! They carry the weight for the whole team!”
“I would NEVER do anything to undermine them! They always go above and beyond.”
Here’s the thing: Leaders wouldn’t intentionally penalize their top performers, but it might be Read More

Quit Ignoring Unacceptable Behaviors and Attitudes
by Leadership Keynote Speaker Connie Podesta
Consider this scenario. When the report says customer satisfaction is way down, the manager wants to get to the bottom of it.
The questions are fast and furious. Have the salespeople fallen down on the job? What’s the standard script for the customer service staff when calls come in? Are the clients becoming pickier because of the tough economy? Perhaps a competitor is starting to offer better products and features, so we are no longer measuring up.
In the business world, there are Read More

Top Tips for Dealing with THESE Difficult People
By Connie Podesta
In any situation where you suspect passive-aggressive behavior, you must begin by first taking a close look at yourself and your dominant communication style. This is NOT to excuse them in any way, because their behavior is definitely unhealthy, non-productive, and usually hurtful. But we need to take an honest look at our own behavior to determine if we are possibly contributing to an environment that allows passive-behavior to grow and thrive. Passive-aggressives are reacting to us and to what they believe we are Read More

More From the Life Would Be Easy Series...
By Connie Podesta
Passives take the path of least resistance by tuning out, ignoring, avoiding or backing away and withdrawing from people and situations rather than dealing with them head-on. I know they say the “meek shall inherit the earth” but it sure don’t make it any easier for the rest of us (or themselves for that matter) whether it’s in the workplace, at home, at a family gathering or dealing with customers. So let’s explore what’s going on inside this always intimidated, afraid-to-get-their-needs-met and often frustrating personality. Read More

If It Weren't For AGGRESSIVE People
By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta
Imagine yourself in a face-to-face confrontation with a football player, or a soldier, or even a bank robber. These are overbearing, powerful, and intimidating personalities when they are playing their respective roles. Aggressive is a good word to summarize the impact of such people.
The Aggressive Personality – Manipulation Through Hurt and Anger
One does not have to be physically intimidating to be considered aggressive. In the context of relationships, aggression may be expanded to include any Read More

Communication: The Good & The Bad
By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta
Let’s face it – there’s some real intolerable, grumpy, difficult people in this world-- and more than likely you’re running into them on a daily basis thinking, “What the heck? Why do they have to be LIKE THAT?”
Truth is, there are a whole lot of reasons they are and we’re going to walk you through the good, the bad and the ugly of it so that you can better steer clear of the ones that are over-the-top trouble and leverage the ones whose actions can help you. I’m also going to share how to assert yourself Read More

By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta
Go on, it’s okay. Admit it!
We all know that life would be a whole lot easier if we didn’t have to deal with those few (or many) difficult people we just can’t seem to avoid. I think you know who I’m talking about.
What’s not okay is to give up something you need, want, or deserve because of their rude, obnoxious, sullen, and apathetic habits. Yes, I do mean “habits.” If you’re tired of playing their game, take charge of your life by taking a good look at yourself! You can not change them, but you can change what you do and how you act around Read More

An Amazing Series on How to Become the Best YOU!
Tip #3: Quit Playing Emotional Games
By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta
Let there be no doubt—game-playing is a killer when it comes to keeping a relationship alive and healthy. It undermines the ability to love, trust, feel safe, fight fair, be vulnerable, experience intimacy, have fun together , work together, share ideas, discuss money, raise children, set values, and experience success.
Healthy relationships are based on one thing...healthy communication, otherwise known as assertive-- or to get right to the point—ADULT Read More

By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta
So we have talked about how to Quit Living in the Past—letting go, releasing and forgiving, moving on, and taking back control of the here and now. But, for some people, living in the past has never been one of their particular obstacles. In fact, they deal with exactly the opposite…
Which brings us to #2…Quit Living in the Future
How many of you can relate to this? You are the ones who are one, two, even twenty steps ahead of yourself. Before you have even completed a project, your brain has already moved into fifth gear and you are on to Read More